ENG-2000 — Page 431

COMMUNICATIONS, THE MEDIA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

access arrangements to telecommunications services, and clarification of powers for the TA over certain technical areas.

International Activities

Hong Kong continued to participate in the activities of international and regional telecommunications organisations. As a member of the China delegation, Hong Kong was represented in conferences and meetings convened by the International Telecommunications Satellite Organisation and the International Telecommunication Union. Hong Kong participated in its own right in the meetings of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity and the Telecommunications Working Group of the APEC. Hong Kong also took part in the initiative to implement the APEC Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Conformity Assessment of Telecommunications Equipment.

A highlight of the year was the International Telecommunication Union TELECOM Asia 2000 held in Hong Kong from December 4 to 9. Officiating with the Chief Executive at the opening ceremony were Vice Premier Mr Wu Bangguo and the Secretary-General of the ITU, Mr Yoshio Utsumi. The event encompassed an International Telecommunication Exhibition and a World Telecommunication Forum. As host city, Hong Kong welcomed over 50 000 visitors and 500 companies from 167 countries. It was the largest telecommunications event ever held in Asia.

Broadcasting

Broadcasting Policy and Regulation

The policy objectives in broadcasting are to promote programme choice and diversity through competition, to facilitate introduction of new, innovative broadcasting services and to enhance Hong Kong's position as a regional broadcasting hub.

Having conducted a comprehensive review of the television policy, the Government announced in 1998 a package of policy initiatives that are aimed at further advancing the broadcasting policy objectives in the light of technological developments and changing market demands.

With the support of the Legislative Council and the broadcasting industry, the Government has put in place a transparent and technology-neutral regulatory regime under the Broadcasting Ordinance. This new legislation reflects the policy focus to foster fair and effective competition in the market and to promote plurality and diversity in programme services.

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Under the Broadcasting Ordinance, the four categories of television programme services domestic free, domestic pay, non-domestic and other licensable television programme services that may be licensed - are regulated in accordance with the nature and pervasiveness of the services rather than the transmission mode. The former two categories of licences are issued by the Chief Executive in Council and the latter two by the Broadcasting Authority (BA).

The Government took a major step in opening up the television market by introducing new domestic pay television services. The new services are expected to bring in many more television programme channels.

Following the successful completion of the technical trials on digital broadcasting, the Government has drawn up policy proposals on the licensing and regulatory framework for digital broadcasting services which were set out in a consultation

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